Adviser Update Adviser Update Fall 2017 - Page 30

River City Science Academy Innovation’s Michael Malcom-Bjorklund assists a seventh-grade
student with his writing this past April. Photo by Mariel Duffy/River City Science Academy Innovation
“Students of all ages are exposed
to more media, from more
sources, than any previous
generation,” Palmer said. “A strong
journalism program in the school
allows to student to produce
media. More importantly,
students are able to learn how
to consume media. They learn to
identify bias, separate fact from
fiction, and to create a sound
argument in support of a belief.”
journalism is one of the most
versatile careers in any industry.
By building a journalism program
around the fundamentals of
writing, communication and
meeting deadlines at the middle-
school level, we are authentically
preparing students for the real
world. Ask students what they want to
be when they get older. Does
it incorporate thinking, having
a voice, being a team player,
reading, writing or speaking?
Does it require making decisions
based on information obtained
through research? Well, welcome
to the world of journalism.
Lastly, middle school programs
provide a guiding light, base and
direction for some students at a
critical time in their emotional,
physical and academic careers.
Think back to when you were
first introduced to journalism.
For some, journalism is a calling,
a passion, and a lifestyle like no
other. These words might sound
just as effective speaking to a
sophomore in high school or
senior in college, but we want to
build lifelong learners. Whether
11 or 17, the fundamentals a
student learns from sixth grade
through high school, prepare
them for those authentic
experiences in life.
The media landscape always
changes, and journalists change
with it. We evolve on how we
consume and produce news. That
all starts at the middle-school
level.
“Journalism teachers at all levels
are a family, and no one outside
this J family quite ‘gets’ what we
do,” Patrick said. “So, find friends.
We are out there.”
The odds might be stacked
against us, but investing in
middle school journalism will pay
dividends for years to come.